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Cricket big winner from NT Government commitment

Cricket Australia and Northern Territory Cricket today welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to a $3.1 million five-year deal to develop cricket in the Territory.

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer, James Sutherland, said the Government’s $2.1 million investment was a welcome boost that will help to attract international cricket and improve local cricket facilities.

“The Northern Territory Government has been a great supporter of cricket for many years. Darwin has hosted Australian men’s and women’s teams in the past and has been an attractive training venue for international teams given the favourable climate,” Mr Sutherland said.

“Cricket Australia is committed to promoting Darwin on the international stage and also as an ideal training base for development squads in the ‘off-season’. The location and climate are ideal for matches during the Australian winter when playing cricket in the southern states is simply not considered.”

In addition to the Northern Territory Government’s commitment, Mr Sutherland announced CA would commit $1 million to the help with the development of grass roots cricket in the Territory.

Plans for the funding include the construction of grass roots facilities at Gardens Oval in Darwin and the upgrading of existing facilities at TIO Stadium to suit future international cricket schedules.

On hand for the announcement at Gardens Oval today, CA General Manager Cricket, Michael Brown, announced details of the 2008 international schedule for Darwin.

“Under this agreement with the Northern Territory Government, Australia will host Bangladesh in three Commonwealth Bank Series one-day international matches in August and September this year,” Mr Brown said.

“Scheduling international matches is very complex but we can now plan for future international cricket in Darwin with the confidence and support of the Northern Territory Government.”

Northern Territory Cricket Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ramsay, said the Henderson Government’s commitment will help to develop the future cricketing stars of tomorrow.

“This is a major investment for both international and grass roots cricket in the Northern Territory. It will go a long way to finding the first Northern Territory cricketer to don the Baggy Green,” Mr Ramsay, said.

“Cricket players and supporters in the Northern Territory will be the major beneficiary of this commitment.”